Maria Sharapova proud of patriotic duty after Russia slump

Prague: Maria Sharapova failed to lift the Fed Cup as Russia lost to defending champions the Czech Republic in Prague on Sunday, but she did her patriotic duty and said she enjoyed it.

Maria Sharapova

In only her fifth Fed Cup appearance, world number four Sharapova won both singles matches, beating 11th-ranked Karolina Pliskova in straight sets on Saturday and sixth-ranked Petra Kvitova in a three-set thriller on Sunday.

"Personally it's an incredible achievement for me because I've never been in a Fed Cup final and I won two of my matches," Sharapova said.

'Special feeling'After winning five Grand Slam titles, Sharapova is still seeking two other global trophies — the Fed Cup and Olympic gold.

"There's no better feeling than being out on the court having so many people fly here from Russia to support you," Sharapova beamed on Sunday as the Fed Cup final was under way.

"In an event like this you're just not playing for yourself, you're playing for your teammates, for your country. "It's a very unique feeling and it's so special."